Britain moved closer on Thursday to allowing gay partners to marry, saying it would end a bar on the celebration of same-sex unions in religious premises and consult on legalising homosexual marriage.

The government said lifting the ban in England and Wales would advance equality for homosexuals, but evangelical groups condemned the move, with gay rights campaigners saying the proposals were too timid.

Gay couples in Britain have been able to formalise their relationships since 2005, but only as civil partnerships conducted without religious ceremony.